China Takes Center Stage in the US Election - But Only in One Campaign
The US and China, as the world’s two largest economies and military powers, are often regarded as the key players in a global rivalry that will define the 21st century. Yet, during this year’s US presidential race, only one candidate seems to be actively discussing China: former president Donald Trump.
According to a BBC Verify analysis, Trump, the Republican nominee, mentioned China 40 times across five campaign rallies held after the recent presidential debate. During a Michigan town hall last week, he referenced the nation 27 times in just one hour, consistently portraying China as an economic adversary.
Trump’s focus on China largely revolves around its trade practices, painting the country as an economic predator that poses a threat to the US. He has repeatedly promised to impose new tariffs on Chinese imports, ban Chinese-made cars to protect the American auto industry, and prevent any attempts by China to replace the US dollar as the world’s reserve currency. Trump has also continued to lay blame on China for the Covid-19 pandemic.
While some economists challenge the potential effectiveness of these tariffs, Trump’s tough stance on China is tailored to resonate with blue-collar voters in key battleground states like Michigan and Pennsylvania, where the effects of competition with Chinese manufacturers are acutely felt.
On the Democratic side, however, presidential nominee Kamala Harris has been much quieter on the issue of China. A review found that she did not mention the country in any of her six rallies following the debate. During a recent speech on the economy in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, she did make a few references, emphasizing that she would not hesitate to take swift action if China threatened American workers or industries. Still, her focus on China is notably less pronounced compared to Trump.
This contrast between the two candidates’ approaches to China was further highlighted during a recent Trump event in Smithton, Pennsylvania. At a roundtable with local farmers and ranchers, Trump emphasized the need to protect the American steel industry, even suggesting that the US might need to be prepared for a potential war with China. “If we’re in a war and we need army tanks and ships, we can’t rely on China for steel,” he stated.
Despite the significant differences in their rhetoric, polls suggest that China ranks relatively low on the list of issues that most American voters prioritize, trailing far behind concerns like the economy, immigration, and healthcare. However, in battleground states such as Pennsylvania, where voters remain closely divided, Trump’s focus on China could potentially sway undecided voters.
With the election tightening, both Trump and Harris are fighting for every last vote, and in pivotal states like Pennsylvania, the conversation around China may yet play a crucial role.
